Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Restaurant Verbena at Discovery Country Suites

I usually spend my birthday close to home but this year, DB and I opted to celebrate in Tagaytay City for a change. After checking-in and spending a blissful afternoon at Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast, we finally managed to drag ourselves out for my birthday celebratory dinner. I've been meaning to go to Restaurant Verbena for a long time now and we thought it was the perfect time to indulge and try one of the highly acclaimed restaurants in the country.

The elegant and country-chic ambiance of Discovery Country Suites is so apparent the moment you step in at Restaurant Verbena. Since we arrived early, we had the privilege of choosing to be seated in one of the tables by the veranda. I bet the view of Taal Lake from our table is gorgeous during the day.

If you're an insect magnet like myself, you'd be very pleased to know that the al fresco dining area have nets installed to prevent mosquitoes from flying in so you'd be dining at peace.

On the table

Our meal started off with a basket of complimentary bread fresh out of the oven with an assortment of spreads like herb butter, tomato dip and hummus.

Braised Australian Lamb Shank - Php895.00

After careful deliberation, which usually happens when we wanted to try everything on the menu, DB finally settled with the Braised Australian Lamb Shank. The lamb was excellent and fall-apart tender but what stood really stood out is the Homemade Herb Pasta it came with! It was minty and cooked al dente that complemented the lamb's bold taste.

Homemade Herb Pasta, Kalamata Olives, Tomato Confit and Parmesan

Verbena's Sampler Plate - Php895.00

Beautiful presentation!

Since it was my birthday treat, I opted to order the Sampler Plate which are little samplings of Verbena's best entrées. The Grilled Norwegian Salmon was delicious and very juicy, the Australian Lamb Riblets is tasty and tender while the US Beef Goulash that's sitting pretty on the Potato Puree was filling and excellent as well. In short, I love every single piece of Verbena's Sampler Plate!

Grilled Norwegian Salmon with Arugula Mushroom Salad

Australian Lamb Riblets with Homemade Barbeque Sauce

U.S. Beef Goulash

This is definitely one of the best meals I've had in my life! Glad to have spent it with the best date in the most romantic setting on the best day of the year.